| Also known as | Special Combat Aggressive Reactionary Systems |
|---|---|
| Focus | Combat Fighting |
| Country of origin | USA |
| Creator | Jerry L. Peterson |
| Olympic sport | No |
| Official website | http://scars.com |
Special Combat Aggressive Reactionary Systems (SCARS) is an American combat fighting system created by Jerry L. Peterson based on sciences of psychology, physiology, physical movement as well as research on the nervous system; the company website claims "It does not stem from any martial arts nor is it a combination of martial arts or any other fighting system."[1] SCARS was developed by Peterson after serving two tours in the US Army 173rd Airborne Brigade during the Vietnam War.[2] SCARS began to be taught to various military, law enforcement, and security units in 1987, such as the Arizona State police.[2] Currently, SCARS is taught through private seminars, online training and DVDs. It contains no defensive actions, as all checks against the enemy's kicks or punches are delivered as strikes to vulnerable nerves.[2]
SCARS was initially presented to the Department of the Navy in 1988.SCARS Institute of Combat Sciences has developed training courses for the US Army, Air Force as well as foreign governments and various law enforcement agencies.
Due to its length (taking men out of the field for 30 days), cancellation of the SCARS course was approved on April 17, 1998 by the Naval Special Warfare Commander, G.M. Moy, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations.[3]
Within the martial arts community, Peterson and SCARS have been subject to controversy, and his various claims have been described as "semi-true":[2] His website claims "SCARS is 100% effective in all CQB actions."[4] Some commentators have described SCARS as re-branded Kung Foo San Soo.[5] Navy SEAL LCDR Mark D. Divine called SCARS "a very effective offensive fighting system," but also criticized Peterson for "his ego and inflexibility."[6] Journalist Herb Borkland called it "the world's most expensive self defense training" because a 40-hour workshop costs $5,000 USD.[2]